The fall of your senior year will arrive before you know it, and with it will come the heart of the college admission process – your applications. The best advice we have is for you to plan ahead and stay organized. For many of you, filling out applications and writing essays will be the equivalent of an extra class, so we are here to help you through this process.
Private Colleges and Universities
Each college and university has its own unique requirements and application process. These applications can vary widely and require one or more essays, along with teacher and counselor recommendations. Their deadlines run anywhere from December to March. Check with each institution to learn more about their individual requirements.
The Common Application is a great way to simplify the college application process. Check here to see if any of the private colleges and/or universities that you’re interested in are included.
University of California and California State University Applications
The filing period for these applications is November 1-30. The preferred method of applying is through the on-line application. We schedule a UC admission and application workshop each fall and we assist students with their CSU applications. The portals for both of these applications typically open in October, however the essay prompt for UC is available in late summer. (Remember, you will have the UC essay in advance and can begin working on it over the summer.)
Out-of-state Public Universities
Not all public universities operate like the UC and CSU systems. In fact, each state has its own specific procedures, deadlines and requirements. Many state schools have rolling admission, which means that applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and applicants are notified as soon as a decision is made about them. Some state schools only admit a small percentage of out-of-state students, while others admit many. Some state schools require SAT subject tests, recommendations and/or a secondary school report form; others do not. You should contact each college and university for more details.
The Size and Scope of Your College List
By the fall of your senior year you should have done your homework on researching your preliminary list and narrowed it down to somewhere between five and ten colleges and universities. In the end, we recommend that you apply to about seven or eight institutions. Your final list should include a range of selectivity – several reach, 50/50, and likely options. Every school on your list should be one that you would be happy to attend.
Please see your college counselor for further advice.